Hey everyone! I hope you're all have a really great day. I come with a bit of a problem... I'm a sophmore in high school, and my mother wants me to start thinking about college. I know what I want to do (Earth Science teacher), but I don't really know of any good, inexpensive (Under $20,000, preferrably) schools with a good education/science department. I heard that Berkeley is a good school, but I'm on the East Coast and my mother refuses to let me move that far away. Are there any schools that you could possibly suggest? Peace, Chelsea
So, am I correct to assume, based on the subject you want to teach, that you want to teach in a high school? I would suggest doing some research on state universities in your region. Considering just how many of them there are, you might even be able to find a SUNY school with a good program in what you want. I know there's the whole prestige thing with certain schools, but that doesn't really make that much difference in the long run, at least not for the undergrad education (anymore, now that the bachelor's degree is like the high school diploma of 20 years ago). I definitely suggest a local state university. Look for one that has solid education and science departments, but also is fairly well rounded, so that you get a good general education and so that you aren't screwed if you decide to change your major. Beyond that, look at what you want to deal with in terms of living situation (dorms or commuter college), overall size of university, average class size, etc. Consider the difference between teaching colleges -- where profs focus on the teaching and may not do much of their own research -- and research universities -- where profs are expected to do research and publish a certain amount every year. Both have advantages and disadvantages: teaching colleges obviously are more concerned about teaching abilities, so you won't have that random science prof who is fucking brilliant but who can't communicate very well... But research universities offer more opportunities for you to participate in research projects, both as a worker in some prof's project and as an independent research project with a prof as just a mentor.
Now is the time to start checking out education and science departments. Look into the closest colleges and universities. Talk to teachers you know now. Where did they go to school? How did they handle paying for school? They know more than most people you know about how to become a teacher and how to get hired. Keep your high school grades up. That can't hurt you when it comes time to apply to schools, and it also can't hurt where scholarships are concerned. Sure, some of the best schools are going to charge more than $20,000, but you can probably find some halfway decent schools that you can afford. Many high schools and middle schools hire plenty of teachers who didn't go to expensive, big-name colleges. It is probably more important to do the best work you can now while you're in high school and later on wherever you find yourself getting your degree. If all the school district looks at is where your degree came from, something is wrong.
Well you could go to your local comminuty college for the basics so that you don't have to pay a for all four at a College or university. I don't know if that will help you but that is what I am doing.
If you know of any College/University or as I know them, Courses and Careers Expos, go to them, I strongly encourage it cos that is what I did last year to help me decide what I wanted to do as I was stuck at the crossroads as to what I really want to do...And they are not just for school-leavers cos older people who want a career-change make enquiries too...You will find that representatives from a lot of colleges and Universities are there and are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have...
